Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.
See the handsome masthead...
Item #697883
June 06, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 6, 1798 The front page is taken up with: "Dispatches from the Envoys to France", and page 2 includes reports from the "Columbian Federal Congress" among other items.
Four pages, small hole at fold juncture does not affect mentioned reports, good condition.
Sinking of the ship Mermaid... G. Germaine loves to hear of massacred Americans...
Item #697881
June 15, 1779
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, June 15, 1779 Page 2 has a report headed: "American News" which details the loss of the ship Mermaid near Egg Harbor, New Jersey. The ship was driven ashore and wrecked with the loss of more than 102 lives. She was on a voyage from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to New York.
The back page has a report noting in part: "...that the American Secretary wa... See More
Duties of man and citizen...
Item #697867
October 19, 1795
FEDERAL ORRERY, Boston, Oct. 19, 1795 Page 2 has some content concerning the controversial Jay Treaty with England. Also: "Observations on the Present Internal State of France" and: "Duties of a Man and a Citizen" contains 9 Articles. And then: "Decree for the Encouragement of Privateering" lists 8 items.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Death & funeral of the governor...
Item #697866
June 19, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 19, 1799 The front page has: "On Matrimony". Page 3 has a black-bordered report on the death & funeral of Mass. Governor Increase Sumner including the "Order Of Procession" and the position of "The Corpse" with the pallbearers, etc.
The back page has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed... See More
Great account of the siege of Fort Schuyler...
Item #697860
September 04, 1777
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 4, 1777 Page 3 has Revolutionary War content including an item reading: "We hear Sir William Howe has requested his Majesty, for very essential reasons, to allow him to exchange General Lee for some British officers; but that such a measure has been strongly opposed by some persons in high office."
A report from Fishk... See More
A two-issue set: George Washington and Paul Revere on the front page...
Item #697849
June 25, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 22 and 25, 1796 A two issue set with over half of the front page of the 22nd taken up with lengthy & detailed text of: "An ACT to Regulate Trade & Intercourse with the Indian Tribes & to Preserve Peace on the Frontiers." The Act carries over to take more than a full column on the front page of the 25th where it is signed in script type: ... See More
Publishing of Sir Isaac Newton's landmark work...
Item #697847
February 09, 1720
THE POST-BOY, London, February 9, 1720 A nice single sheet newspaper with two decorative engravings in the masthead.
The front page includes a brief yet significant notice that: "This Day is publish'd, Sir Isaac Newton's Opticks; or, a Treatise of the Reflections, Refractions, Inflections, and Colours of Light", which remains a landmark work in the history of science.
Oth... See More
Newspaper edited by the famed Jonathan Swift...
Item #697842
August 31, 1713
THE EXAMINER, London, Aug. 31, 1713 This editorial-format newspaper was edited by the famed Jonathan Swift at this time (of Gulliver's Travels fame), It promoted a Tory perspective on British politics, at a time when Queen Anne had replaced Whig ministers with Tories.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper as was typical of the day, 7 1/2 by 13 inches, nice condition.
News from the Caribbean...
Item #697819
May 29, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 29, 1759 Page 5 has most of a column headed: "America" with reports from the Caribbean with bits including: "...skirmish with the enemy...near Point St. Petre in which we lost four or five negroes..." and: "...Grand Terre, in the island of Guadeloupe, has surrendered to the English..." with a bit more on this.
Eight pages, 8 1... See More
Abundant produce in America... Marie Antoinette...
Item #697811
August 24, 1793
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 24, 1793 Page 2 has a report noting in part: "The American harvest...has proved so abundant that for 25 to 30 Winchester barrels have been computed the produce of many thousands single acres...that orders will be received for the exportation of 250,000 quarters of European or Indian wheat...at Boston, Rhode Island, Philadelphia, Annapolis, Newcastle ... See More
Early from Australia...
Item #697810
May 15, 1798
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 15, 1798 Page 3 has early reports concerning Australia, including: "Major Gross, the Lt. Governor of New South Wales...forced for his ill state of health to leave that settlement..." The colony, when that ship left Pot Jackson, was doing well... reason to expect that the inhabitants for the future will be able to supply themselves with bread...&q... See More
One of the most intricately engraved mastheads to be had...
Item #697763
January 04, 1729
THE NORWICH GAZETTE, England, Jan. 4, 1729 See the photos for the tremendous detail in the masthead of this early newspaper, showing the skyline of Norwich. Individual buildings and even the windows can be seen in this woodblock engraving. There are insets in the upper corners as well, one showing the patron Saint George slaying a dragon.
The content is entirely European. The back page feat... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697762
May 07, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 7, 1743 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short y... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #697736
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Jan. 14, 1758, Jan. 2, 1759, Jan. 13, 1761, Jan. 25, 17673, and Jan. 1, 1771. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies.
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good condi... See More
Wealth of illustrated ship advertisements... Escaped mulatto slave...
Item #697712
December 20, 1794
DUNLAP & CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 20, 1794 Within the issue are some 22 illustrated ship ads. There are also at least two runaway ads including: "One Guinea Reward" for a runaway mulatto woman, with details.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, indent to the back leaf margin does not affect text, nice condition.
Congress to abolish a tax on spirits...
Item #697694
October 16, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, May 16, 1796 The front page is taken up with ads including 23 illustrated ship ads.
Page 3 has discussion from Congress which includes: "...Resolved, 'That it will be expedient to abolish the tax on spirits distilled from materials of the growth or produce of the United States..." with more. The back page has a "Forty Doll... See More
Beheading of King Louis XVI...
Item #697691
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1793 The best content is the report headed: "Particular Account of the Murder of Louis XVI" which gives considerable detail of the closing moments of his life, ending with: "...The Confessor fell upon his knees, and implored the King's blessing, who gave it him with an affectionate embrace. The religious & good Monarch the... See More
Congress requires quotas by state... John Hancock signs...
Item #697640
February 04, 1777
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Feb. 4, 1777 Page 3 has a nice report on the situation in America, a few bits noting: "...The Provincials in Massachusetts Bay are in high spirits in certain expectation of being joined in the spring by the French & Spaniards...They had heard of the designed attack on Rhode Island & knew that the Americans had abandoned it by orders...did not ex... See More
More on Prevost's defeat... A letter criticizing the war in America...
Item #697639
August 17, 1779
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Aug. 17, 1779 The bottom of page 3 has a report noting: "...brings...a confirmation of the defeat of Prevost and that that General would have met with the fate of Burgoyne had it not been for the boats he had on the river, in which he caused to be embarked the small number of troops that escaped the sword of the Americans."
The back page has a ful... See More
Discussions in Congress...
Item #697638
June 20, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 20, 1798 Page 2 has much on the proceedings of the federal Congress, with pg. 3 have reports from the "Proceedings of the Legislature of Massachusetts" which include mention: "A Resolve passed for loaning certain cannon to the United States for the use of the frigate Constitution."
Four pages, handsome masth... See More
British account of the Battle of Stono Ferry, and the Battle of Chemung, New York...
Item #697637
September 02, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2, 1779 A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Nearly one-third of page 2 is a letter from an officer in the British army from Port Royal with his account of the Battle at Stono Ferry, a failed attempt by the Americans, under General... See More
Engraving of the skyline of London... News from Boston...
Item #697633
August 01, 1771
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, August, 1771 Perhaps the most interesting feature is the full title/contents page which has a very intricately engraved view of the skyline of London at the time, making this very decorative.
Near the back is the "Monthly Chronologer" which includes over a full page of reports headed "America" with items from Boston, including 2 messages fro... See More
Battle of Dettingen: last time a British King led troops into battle...
Item #697602
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1743
* Battle of Dettingen
* King George II
* Last British monarch
* to lead army in battle
Much on the Battle of Dettington - the last time that a British monarch, George II, personally led his troops into battle (see images).
One of the article is titled: "Objections to Mr. Yate's Theory of Comets" which include
... See More
* Battle of Dettingen
* King George II
* Last British monarch
* to lead army in battle
Much on the Battle of Dettington - the last time that a British monarch, George II, personally led his troops into battle (see images).
One of the article is titled: "Objections to Mr. Yate's Theory of Comets" which include
The battle near Minden...
Item #697520
August 25, 1759
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Aug. 25, 1759
* Battle of Minden - Seven Years' War
This was one of the more famous titles from Europe during the 18th century.
Entirely European content with a wealth of ads as well. The front page has a report concerning a recent battle near Minden, a major engagement during the Seven Years' War.
Four pages, a faint red tax st... See More
Two nice engravings in the masthead...
Item #697514
December 10, 1746
THE LONDON COURANT, England, Dec. 10, 1746
* Jacobite Rebellion era
* Nice masthead engravings
The masthead features two engravings, one showing a sailing ship and the other a post-boy 'trumpeting' the news.
Various news from Europe with much of the back page taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet issue, wear at the bottom affects part of the back page impr... See More
Very early, short-lived, colonial newspaper...
Item #697460
August 16, 1753
THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, August 16, 1753
* Rare Colonial New York original
* Short lived publication
This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities" as Brigham relates.
A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very ... See More
Wanted to hire...
Item #697409
January 28, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Jan. 28, 1796
* Uncommon publication
Various news reports of the day including a back page ad: "Wanted to Purchase - For A Term of Years" with the text beginning: "A sober, steady black man and wife, of middle age. The man must have a little knowledge of farming..." with more.
Four pages, a few minor font page stains... See More
Details on a ship wreck... Death of a governor...
Item #697403
January 23, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Jan. 23, 1796 Various news reports of the day including a page 3 item: "A Grand Victory Obtained by the Austrians and: "Ship Wreck" with much detail. Also a report of the death of Samuel Huntington, governor of Connecticut, with much detail on the funeral.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, good condition.
Great issue on the siege and fall of Charleston to the British....
Item #697397
June 01, 1780
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, June, 1780
* Fall of Charleston, South Carolina
* General Sir Henry Clinton
Inside has a full page: "Description of the Island of Skie or Skye, In Scotland". The mentioned map is lacking.
Near the back are 4 1/2 pages of reports headed: "American Affairs" which contain terrific detail on not only the British siege of Charleston, but ... See More
Two Proclamations by General Howe... Wealth of war reporting...
Item #697395
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, June, 1777
* General William Howe
* American Revolutionary War
"American State Papers" has a Proclamation signed in type by: W. Howe, concerning soldiers who were pressured into leaving the King's allegiance, offering pardon if they return. Plus another Proclamation signed by Howe offering acres of land in America at the w
... See More
* General William Howe
* American Revolutionary War
"American State Papers" has a Proclamation signed in type by: W. Howe, concerning soldiers who were pressured into leaving the King's allegiance, offering pardon if they return. Plus another Proclamation signed by Howe offering acres of land in America at the w
Latest news on the war, in a rare newspaper...
Item #697393
July 01, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, July 1, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This is the volume 1, #16 issue.
The front page has a report about the precarious situation of the American currency. Also a lett... See More
Death of George Washington's mother...
Item #697392
September 09, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 9, 1789
* Mary Ball Washington death
* President's G.W.'s mother
Pages 2 & 3 contain reports from the: "Proceedings in the House of Representatives of the United States", this being the founding year of the federal government.
Page 3 has an inconspicuous yet significant report: "Died--At Fredericksburg, Mrs. Washin... See More
An 18th century extra re: Jay Treaty...
Item #697390
April 06, 1796
HERALD EXTRA, (New York), April 6, 1796 A folio size single sheet almost entirely taken up with discussion in the "Federal Legislature, House of Representatives" concerning the controversial Jay Treaty. See images for details. Never-trimmed margins, great condition.
Ambassadors to resolve the crisis with France...
Item #697388
March 28, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, March 28, 1798
* 18th century American publication
The ftpg. has a full column article: "Slavery". Page 2 has much on the: "Proceedings of the Columbian Federal Congress" and pg. 3 has a document from President Adams which endorse Pinckney, Marshall & Gerry as representatives of the U.S. in attempting to resol... See More
Concerns about the pending Jay Treaty...
Item #697377
August 24, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Aug. 24, 1795
* John - Jay's Treaty concerns
* Letter to George Washington
Page 2 has a letter from the people of Wilmington, Delaware: "To George Washington, President of the United States" on their concerns about the pending Jay Treaty. This is followed by another letter of similar concern "To Mr. Alexander Hamilton".
Four pag... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #697371
May 31, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, May 31, 1797 This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment. The first issue app... See More
The radical, pro-American John Wilkes is committed to the Tower of London...
Item #697319
THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England, May 9, 1768 * John Wilkes jailed - radical
* Pre Revolutionary War
(currently spelled Gloucester). Page 2 has an impassioned letter signed in type by the radical journalist & politician John Wilkes. It begins: "In support of the liberties of this country, against the arbitrary rule of ministers, I was before committed to the TOWER and am now se... See More
Front page Act signed by Sam Adams... Other thoughts on the Jay Treaty...
Item #697252
July 20, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 20, 1795
* Samuel Adams
* Jay Treaty
Half of the front page is taken up with an Act of the Massachusetts legislature, signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Much of page 2 is taken up with: "Observations Against The TREATY." being the controversial Jay Treaty.
Four pages, very handsome masthead, never-trimmed margins, small bindin... See More
Concerns about the pending Jay Treaty, with Washington's response...
Item #697239
August 31, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Aug. 31, 1795
* John - Jay's Treaty concerns
* George Washington response
Page 2 has a letter from the people of Morris County, N.J. on their concerns about the Jay Treaty. Also a similar letter from the merchants of Phila. to the President followed by: "The President's Answer" signed in type: Geo. Washington.
Four pages, very handsome... See More
Terrific wealth of content... Washington on exchanging prisoners... France acknowledges America's independence...
Item #697223
July 26, 1777
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, July 26, 1777
* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy
* General George Washington
The front page has some war reports including: "...that Sir William Howe takes the field with 13,000 rank and file only...he proposes to direct his course through the Jerseys to Philadelphia, but as Mr. Washington has occupied..." with... See More
Naval battle between the Americans & British... Franklin the 'old fox'...
Item #697219
January 03, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Jan. 3, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a Tory newspaper published when the British occupied Philadelphia. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
... See More
Washington's anger over the murder of Captain Huddy...
Item #697218
May 21, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, May 21, 1782
* Captain Joshua Huddy execution - hanging
* General George Washington angry reaction
* American Revolutionary War
Two-thirds of the front page is taken up with "Debates in the House of Commons Upon the American War". An excellent report providing much insight into the discussions on the troubling si... See More
The "humble" beginnings of Stephen Girard...
Item #697217
October 17, 1792
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 17, 1792 The front page features 21 illustrated ship ad making this a decorative issue. The ftpg. also has a small notice for the "Cincinnati of Pennsylvania" [The Society of Cincinnati] calling for a meeting of the standing committee.
The back page has an ad by Stephen Girard, for the sale of merchandise (including French... See More
Foldout map of France... Canada content...
Item #697215
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1747
* Foldout map of France
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the very nice foldout map titled in the cartouche: "FRANCE With Its Acquired Territories In Germany, and the Netherlands...".
This map shows considerable detail including a close-up view of the harbor & town of Toulon. The map also shows the so
... See More
* Foldout map of France
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the very nice foldout map titled in the cartouche: "FRANCE With Its Acquired Territories In Germany, and the Netherlands...".
This map shows considerable detail including a close-up view of the harbor & town of Toulon. The map also shows the so
Notable attempt at price controls during the War... Much fine war content...
Item #697211
July 15, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, July 15, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This is the volume 1, #18 issue.
The entire front page & most of the back page are taken up with what one scholar calls: &quo... See More
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown...
Item #697208
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, London, December and the Appendix issue for the year 1781* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy
Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under "American Affairs". It is an "Extract... See More
Inhabitants of New Zealand... Plate of Algernon Sidney...
Item #697207
July 01, 1773
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, July, 1773 Near the back is a nearly full column report headed: "America - New York". Also an article: "Interesting Anecdotes of the Life of Algernon Sydney, the English Patriot" as well as a full page plate of him. Sidney was an English politician who was accused of platting against the life of Charles II, for which he would be executed.
Ov... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697098
April 30, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 30, 1743 This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", th... See More
When the population of Pittsburgh was 1,355...
Item #697097
January 21, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Jan. 21, 1796
* 18th century Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Mad Anthony Wayne & John Wilkinson
Page 3 has a report headed: "Pittsburgh" noting: "We hear from Fort Washington that General Wayne has left the army on a visit to Phila. and that General Wilkinson has taken the command at Greenville. The number of inhabitants ... See More
Detailed report from the Dept. of War on the ports & harbors of the U.S...
Item #697096
February 03, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Feb. 3, 1796
* During George Washington's administration
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "Report From the Department of War, Relative to the Fortifications of the Ports and Harbours of the United States", with details city by city.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
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